Workshops, Special Interest Groups (SIG), and Tour

MONDAY ALL DAY, July 29

MON 8:30–4:30 • $300

WORKSHOP: Incorporating Professional Skills and Teambuilding Into Your Curriculum

This workshop will provide an overview of the DISC Behavioral Model, which is taught during the professional skills portion of the NSF ATE-funded CICSTART program for high school students and Summer Teacher Workshop for educators. The DISC instrument is designed to help learners attain a greater knowledge of themselves and how they relate to others, which can lead to greater success in the classroom and workplace. Participants will complete and analyze their own DISC personality inventories and learn interactive teambuilding lessons to use in their classrooms. These lessons will help students through both their educational and career journeys.

John Birch, CEO, The Birch Group, and Executive Director & Co-PI, CICSTART Project Grant, Farmington, CT

MONDAY MORNING, July 29

MON 8:30–Noon • $150 (Space is limited.)

WORKSHOP: Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom

This workshop will provide participants with information on basic microcontroller theory and operation, a curriculum and lab guidebook review, and a series of hands-on laboratory activities with tips and tricks for classroom usage. Participants will learn how to write and modify Arduino code; interface sensors and output devices; and build, test, and troubleshoot circuits. Participants will receive a Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit ($106 value) and will perform hands-on laboratory activities. Laptops and software will be provided. The workshop is sponsored by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (NSF DUE #2000281).

Greg Kepner, Co-Principal Investigator, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, Co-PI, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Edmonds College, Lynwood, WA

MON 8:30–Noon • $150

WORKSHOP: Using Oculus Quest II VR Headset in Engineer and Technician Education

Because of its immersive nature, VR technology can greatly enhance student education. Headsets can be used to supplement training when expensive facilities are not readily available. Use of the headset can also offer an asynchronous learning modality where students can “learn by exploring” in a safe environment. With VR, time and space are no longer barriers. Students can explore destinations as diverse as today’s International Space Station and Anne Frank’s house in 1942. This workshop will introduce participants to the use of VR headsets and the software used in educational game development.

Andrew Bell, Chair, Department of Engineering, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN

MON 8:30–Noon • $150

WORKSHOP: Sticker Heist (Can you pull off the Sticker Heist?)

Picture this scenario in the not-too-distant future: Laptop stickers are the new global currency, and you’ve just gotten your hands on a safe full of them. The safe is locked for now, but its security system is no match for your team’s hacking skills. Your mission is to hack into the security system, disable the alarms, and pull off the heist of a lifetime. But you’re already running short on time. Sticker Heist is a hands-on, minds-on game in which student teams solve puzzles within a limited time to complete the shared quest of opening the locked box to retrieve the stickers. This quest is supported by a game that encourages teamwork, communication, and leadership while teaching curriculum-related skills and principles, increasing student engagement, and promoting learning outcomes. It also helps to grow the future cybersecurity workforce by exposing people of all ages, educational backgrounds, and genders to cybersecurity as a career field.

Mike Libassi, Professor, Sinclair College, Dayton, OH; Kyle Jones, Professor/Chair Person, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH; Eric Renegar, Professor, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH

MON 8:30–Noon • $150

WORKSHOP: Building Mobile Apps to Build a Pathway to STEM and Coding

Springfield Technical Community College developed a camp to share coding with the community. The initiative especially targets populations that have been historically underrepresented in STEM, such as women and persons of color. This session is an introduction to the exciting world of app development for mobile devices. Course content is for those who have no prior programming experience but want to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop mobile solutions in this exciting technology segment. All you need is a computer and a mobile device (phone/tablet). Participants will also learn how to develop their own camps.

Brian Candido, Professor and Department Chair, Computer Systems Engineering Tech, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA; Lara Sharp, Dean of STEM, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA; Chase Lyon, Student Supplemental Instructor, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA

MON 8:30–Noon • Complimentary (Obtain code from Mark Dempsey, mdempsey@collin.edu.)

SIG: ITSS Summit Alumni Workshop: Successes, Challenges, and Next Steps

Past participants of the ITSS Summit workshops are invited to attend this session to share best practices and success stories, discuss strategies for overcoming common challenges, and plan next steps in creating sustainable BILTs and skill standard development cycles. Through panel discussions, group exercises, and guest presentations, attendees will build on the expertise developed at the 2023–2024 three-day ITSS Summit events and take their work to the next level in a unique, capstone-like environment. The ITSS skill standard process is powered by the BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) model engine. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, Collin College, Frisco, TX

MONDAY AFTERNOON, July 29

MON 1:00-4:30 • $150

WORKSHOP: Arduino Unleashed: Explore Automation, Sensors, and More Using the Arduino Controller

This workshop will include activities from a fast-paced curriculum designed by the presenter to explore engaging projects for both beginning and advanced instructors and students. The course shows instructors how to use inexpensive sensors and actuators to create next-level student activities. Most of the activities use a simulation tool (Tinkercad) to help students visualize and test projects prior to breadboarding them. This curriculum has worked well for more than ten years and has been constantly improved. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Dorian McIntire, Program Director Engineering Systems Technology, Tri-County Technical College, Pendleton, SC

MON 1:00-4:30 • $150 (Complimentary for the first 10 registrants. Obtain code from Pamela Silvers, pamela.silvers@fdtc.edu.)

WORKSHOP: PI 101: Providing Answers to ATE Questions That You Were Afraid to Ask—or Didn’t Know to Ask

Tailored for first-time Principal Investigators (PI), this workshop covers tips and tricks for managing an ATE project, from grant administration to cultivation of partnerships. The workshop will include discussions about keeping your project aligned with industry needs, incorporating innovative strategies, and navigating compliance requirements. Guest speakers from Evalu-ATE, ATE Central, JATE, and other initiatives will share ideas for making your project more successful. The workshop will provide an opportunity for resource-sharing and networking and will help participants eliminate the anxiety that comes with being a first-time grantee.

Pamela Silvers, Co-PI, Mentor-Connect, Florence Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Emery DeWitt, Co-PI, Mentor-Connect, Florence Darlington Technical College, Florence, NC; Louis F. McIntyre, Sr, Director, Grants Evaluation & Compliance Consulting, McIntyre Leadership Development Group/Consultants, Fayetteville, NC

MON 1:00-4:30 • $150

WORKSHOP: Prompt Engineering: Interacting with Generative AI Tools

Generative AI tools such as Chat-GPT and Bard are now part of our daily work process. Most generative AI tools are based on language learning models (LLM). Obtaining optimum output from LLM-based generative AI tools requires skill and a knowledge of prompting. Thoughtfully engineered prompts optimize LLM output. This workshop will show participants how to engineer prompts for creating text, images, audio, and video content. Participants will also gain an understanding of generative AI’s capabilities and limitations. Ethical consideration will also be discussed. Participants must bring their laptops to work on hands-on activities.

Rajiv Malkan, Professor, Lone Star College–Montgomery, Conroe, TX; Priti Malkan, IT Consultant and Adjunct Faculty, Lone Star College, Tomball, TX

MON 1:00-4:30 • Complimentary (Obtain code from Mark Dempsey at mdempsey@collin.edu.)

SIG: Employer Engagement: Using the BILT Model and Developing Skill Standards

Do you need to improve your relationship with local business and industry leaders, strengthen your curriculum, and develop new programs to keep up with evolving workforce needs? In this interactive, hands-on workshop, attendees will learn how to develop and leverage a future-facing set of skill standards for any technical discipline by understanding elements of both the skill standards development cycle and the successful BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) Model “engine” that powers it. Topics covered will include employer recruitment, how to prepare and host successful employer meetings, and the use of employer feedback to develop additional resources and tools. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, Collin College, Frisco, TX

MON 1:00-4:30 • Invitation Only

SIG: Beyond the InnovATEBIO Summit: The Midwest Bio Ecosystem and InnovATEBIO Future Plans

In June 2023 InnovATEBIO hosted a Bio Summit at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC. The event’s almost 300 participants consisted of academics (mainly community college faculty and staff), industry speakers, and industry trade association personnel. The purpose was to envision what is needed over the next five years to train and educate the skilled technical workforce in bioscience. In attendance were twenty-one state teams (including Kansas and Missouri) compromising participants from academia, industry, and workforce. This session will focus on the follow-up plan for InnovATEBIO and particularly the states of Kansas and Missouri. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, Winston-Salem, NC; Russ Read, Co-PI, InnovATEBIO, National Center for Biotech Workforce of Forsyth Tech, Winston-Salem, NC; Angela Consani, CEO, Biosciences Core Skills Institute, Olathe, KS; Elizabeth Boedeker, District Director, Center for Plant and Life Sciences, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO

TUESDAY MORNING, July 30

TUE 8:30–Noon • Complimentary

WORKSHOP: NSF ATE Mock Panel Review

This complimentary workshop will present an overview of NSF funding opportunities with a focus on the proposal submission timeline and the merit review process. Participants will review a proposal that was submitted to ATE. Discussion will focus on how well the proposal met the merit review criteria as well as the structure of the proposal with respect to the described need, project goals and objectives, evaluation plan, and expertise of project personnel. NSF Program Officers will facilitate the discussion and provide a general overview of reviewers’ comments and the post-panel processing steps. Bring your proposal ideas. NSF POs will provide advice and suggestions for submitting your proposal to the ATE program. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Director, NSF, Alexandria, VA; Christine Delahanty, Program Director, NSF, Alexandria, VA

TUE 8:30–Noon • $150

WORKSHOP: Generative AI and Its Impact on Higher Education

Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT have greatly impacted higher education for the past year or so. This presentation delves into the basics of large language models (LLM), prompt engineering, fine-tuning, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and the impact of these technologies in the classroom. Participants with laptops can engage in hands-on activities, but this is optional. This workshop will provide the latest updates on the core features and usage of popular closed-model AI tools such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, Claude v2 from Anthropic, and Gemini from Google as well as open-source models in Hugging Face such as Mistral and Llama 2 from Meta. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Debasis Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, HI

TUE 8:30–Noon • $150

WORKSHOP: No-Code or Low-Code Outreach Activities Using the micro:bit

STEM camp activities are a common way to build interest in technician programs for ATE projects. Microcontrollers like the micro:bit provide an easy way for learners to use no-code or low-code approaches to writing programs that are carried out on an accessible development board. Participants will receive their own micro:bit kit and learn how to execute a number of programs on it using Microsoft MakeCode, Python, or Scratch. The micro:bit is a powerful and intuitive platform that is capable of running simple programs, controlling motors, using sensors, and incorporating Artificial Intelligence. Participants will learn about curriculum used by companies such as AWS to engage students with physical computing. Participants will keep the micro:bit kits and may take them back to their campuses. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Mike Davis, Dean, Math, Science, Technology, and Business, Northern Virginia Community College, Sterling, VA

TUE 8:30–Noon • Complimentary (Obtain code from Wendy Robicheau, wrobicheau@txcc.commnet.edu.)

SIG: Next Generation Manufacturing SIG

The 2024 Next Generation Manufacturing Special Interest Group (SIG) will focus on equipping the future advanced manufacturing workforce with the skills needed by industry. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing will facilitate discussion, dissemination, and networking among attendees. An industry panel will provide an overview of what the advanced manufacturing industry will look like in the future and how the field will be impacted by the incorporation of Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI. Presenters will also review strategies for addressing challenges within the national advanced manufacturing technician education community that can be implemented at participants’ institutions.

Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director & PI, CT State Community College Tunxis, Farmington, CT; Jerry Muller, Industrial Technology Coordinator Trainer, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Tim Baber, Chair, Welding and Advanced Manufacturing Technology, College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA; Chris Dennis, Assistant Professor, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH

TUE 8:30–Noon • Invitation Only

SIG: ATE Evaluators: Connect, Share, and Learn

ATE evaluators, come share your evaluation experiences, learn from each other, and connect with fellow ATE evaluators. Eight ATE evaluators will share successes, discuss challenges, and help participants gain insight into others’ evaluation techniques. The session will also involve networking activities designed to help ATE evaluators get to know each other and identify common points of interest and collaboration opportunities. Attending evaluators will grow their network of ATE evaluator peers, gain insight into new practices, and group problem-solve difficult situations.

Lyssa Becho, Principal Research Associate, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

TUE 8:30–Noon • Invitation Only

SIG: Future-Proofing Students with Employer-Driven Scenario-Based Learning

In this meeting, a TA cohort of the Preparing Technicians for the Future project will convene as a mini-conference to share the results of cross-disciplinary work at their respective colleges and will collaboratively develop real-world scenarios that will form the basis for new lessons. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Ann-Claire Anderson, Sr VP, Center for Occupational Research and Development, Waco, TX

TUE 8:30–Noon • Invitation Only

SIG: Convergence and Standardization Across RE and EV Disciplines

In this yearly SIG, leaders in renewable energy (RE) and electric vehicles (EV) sectors will have a forum to share best practices, identify overlap, identify gaps, and develop plans to close those gaps.

Ken Walz, PI, NEVC/CREATE, Madison College, Madison, WI

TUESDAY AFTERNOON, July 30

TUE 1:00-4:30 • $150

WORKSHOP: Creative Convergence: Visualization in Technician Education

This workshop will offer an insightful journey into cross-disciplinary collaboration and visualization in educational technology. Beginning with a case study of a groundbreaking middle-school STEM VR project, it guides participants through iterative brainstorming and collaborative sessions that showcase the benefits of cross-discipline ideation. This workshop is a convergence point for educators and industry professionals to jointly envisage and refine immersive educational experiences. The facilitators will steer the session, blending creativity with practical constraints, to cultivate innovative approaches in developing the next generation of educational technologies.

David Anderson, Biology Instructor, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, St. Cloud, MN; Mark Gill, Visualization Engineer, Source Collaborative for Immersive Technologies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; Alan Srock, Professor of Meteorology, Resource Collaborative for Immersive Technologies, St. Cloud, MN; Frederick Ballew, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN

TUE 1:00-4:30 • Complimentary (Space is limited.)

WORKSHOP: Necessary Skills Now: Integrating Technical and Employability Skills

Join team members from the NSF-ATE Necessary Skills Now Network (NSN) in this workshop on the integration of employability skills into technical programs. NSN assists faculty members in sharing resources, exploring effective teaching methods, and collaborating with local employers to help students improve critical workplace skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and dependability. Participants will learn about employer perspectives on in-demand employability skills and strategies for embedding those skills into existing courses. The presenters will share bite-sized resources that can have a big impact on students in advanced manufacturing programs, along with a suite of classroom-ready tools that can be used immediately. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Hope Cotner, President/CEO, CORD: Center for Occupational Research and Development, Waco, TX; Marcella Gale, Mechatronics Faculty, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VA

TUE 1:00-4:30 • $150 (Space is limited.)

WORKSHOP/TOUR: Understanding the Cloud: An Industry Tour and Discussion of Data Center Operations

Participants will tour a data center and participate in a discussion with data center industry professionals. Topics will include the cloud, the data center industry, and basic operations and needs within the industry. This high-wage, high-demand industry is an emerging CTE field that is relatively invisible to students and educators and lacks a clear talent pipeline. The presenter will discuss US markets, industry trends and career pathways with education, and KSAs required. Participants will learn strategies for raising awareness and engaging students in data center education, and will learn about a data center operations professional learning fellowship designed to build capacity for data center education.

Josh Labrie, Director of NOVA SySTEMic, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, Virginia

TUE 1:00-4:30 • Invitation Only

SIG: Working Partners Workshops

This SIG is for past participants in Working Partners workshops. Workshop alumni will share successes and challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and collaborate on strategies while strengthening and extending their peer networks.

Mary Slowinski, PI, Working Partners Project & Workshops, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA; Rachael Bowers, Co-PI, Working Partners Project & Workshops, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

TUE 1:00-4:30 • Invitation Only

SIG: Use of Aerial Drones for Solar Photovoltaic Site Assessment

Solar professionals invariably conduct technical onsite surveys before construction to assess the suitability of potential locations and to predict the potential for solar energy generation. Using current methods, solar companies still spend hours using ladders and hand-measuring rooftops, which slows project pipelines, reduces accuracy, and increases safety risks. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) combined with solar design software and 3D modeling tools can eliminate roof climbs; decrease onsite time by up to 90 percent; and increase design accuracy to avoid redesigns, change orders, and/or delays on install day. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Ken Walz, PI, Madison College, Madison, WI; Daniel Castano, Lead Technical Trainer, Scanifly, Asheville, NC

TUE 1:30-4:30 • Invitation Only

SIG: Microelectronics and Nanofabrication Certificate Program

Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program discussion. Update from each project partner on their progress in the program, things they have learned and changed, and plans for the next session for recruitment, retention, and mentoring. Includes a brainstorming session and discussion with new partners to get them up to speed on the project as they plan for their first session. Discussion on sustainability plans for the future. National Applications & Career Knowledge Resource Center (NACK), University Park, PA

TUE 1:30-5:00 • $150

TOUR: Garmin International World Headquarters

Bus boards at 1:15 and departs at 1:30. Tour participants are invited to the preconference lunch from Noon to 1:00. This delightful walking tour of Garmin International’s world headquarters campus will showcase who we are. what we do, and many of our technical career pathways. Some of them may surprise you! Garmin’s stunning Olathe campus houses the departments responsible for designing, engineering, manufacturing, shipping, dreaming up, marketing, and supporting the world’s most innovative, passion-fueling electronics. The interesting architecture, Wellness Center, Zen Garden, and creative use of active spaces truly showcase the passion that drives Garmin to be a global leader. After several interesting stops, the tour will conclude with a brief presentation at the Operations/Manufacturing/Distribution Center. Participants can explore and talk to people encountered during the tour. Participants should wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Other than the locations given by your tour guide, taking pictures or videos is prohibited. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) will also be required on the registration form.

TUESDAY EVENING, July 30

TUE 6:00–9:00 • $150

WORKSHOP: Teaching Complex Topics with New Interactive Tools

This workshop is designed for educators who are eager to elevate their teaching strategies in the fields of information technology, programming, electronics, technical math, and cybersecurity. With over 50 years of collective experience, our seasoned instructors will guide you through a rich array of online technical instructional tools, tailored for community college and K12 education. Engage in live demonstrations and hands-on activities that allow you to use and create compelling educational content. Explore state-of-the-art games, delve into AI resources, and experiment with interactive design and development tools. This interactive workshop can revolutionize your approach to teaching complex concepts, making them accessible and enjoyable for students. Don’t miss the chance to transform your classroom experience! Attendees should bring their own laptops.

John Sands, Professor PI CSSIA Center, Moraine Valley Community College, Dunedin, FL; Michael Qaissaunee, Professor Brookdale College, Lincroft, NJ

TUE 6:00–9:00 • Invitation Only

SIG: JATE Dinner

The Journal of Advanced Technological Education (JATE) is a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on technician education at community and technical colleges. JATE welcomes submissions from all ATE projects and centers and community college technician education programs. The JATE Dinner SIG is for JATE Editorial Board Members, JATE Connect Writers and Coaches, JATE URE Faculty and Students, and JATE special guests.

Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, Portland Community College, Portland, OR; Karen Leung, Faculty, San Francisco City College, San Francisco, CA; Tanya Faltens, Assistant Director of Education and Community Partnership, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Janet Pinhorn, JATE Project Manager, Phoenix, AZ

FRIDAY MORNING, August 2

FRI 9:00–11:00 • Complimentary

WORKSHOP: The Future Direction of ATE: A Discussion with NSF Program Officers & Community

Plan to participate in an exciting post-HI-TEC event on Friday, August 2. Lead NSF ATE Program Officer, Dr. Celeste Carter, will guide participants in an interactive conversation regarding the future of the ATE Program. In addition, she will respond to questions about the new ATE Solicitation. The session is free, but registration is required. Mentor-Connect is hosting this event, and a light breakfast will be provided.

V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Director, NSF, Alexandria, VA; Christine Delahanty, Kalyn Owens, Program Directors, NSF, Alexandria, VA